Decontamination Best Value Group
The NPAG Decontamination BVG is a unique group enabling NHS and private Decontamination, Sterile Services and Endoscopy Leads/Managers and senior staff to meet and share new ideas, discuss common problems, and support one another in the practical implementation of the day-to-day processing of reusable medical devices, the latest regulations and learn of new developments and changes in decontamination science. The group covers sterile services, endoscopy, and, organisational medical devices decontamination, as more managers are now having all aspects of decontamination included in the responsibilities.
This group is ideal for you to use the opportunity to be part of a group that shares learning experiences and are always willing to support colleagues in a safe environment to ask those questions that you have always been wanting to ask in a confidential meeting. As with all of our national groups, collaboration is not confined to meetings; members openly communicate with each other and actively use the NPAGNetwork. This can be invaluable as often you are a lone technical specialist manager within your organisation. This gives easy access to networking and learning.
The members drive the agenda for each meeting and the facilitator will arrange experts on the subjects who will deliver non-commercial presentations. The subjects can be updates on existing practices, new innovations on endoscopy and sterile services service delivery. The patient safety is always foremost in our minds and the effectiveness of our decontamination process is a major contributor. The enthusiasm of the members is infectious.
Subjects that have been discussed 2022/3 have been:
- Implementing laser marking and research on the effects on the medical devices Innovative pre-cleaning of flexible endoscopes to remove manual cleaning challenges Invasive probe decontamination.
- Technical details of medical device repair ensuring it meets regulations and high quality standard. Definition of repair and re-manufacture.
- The need for education and training for decontamination staff and the benefits relating to staff retention and progression.
This expert group brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to meetings to discuss what matters in individual organisations and to the profession collectively.
The group share knowledge on a vast array of matters and topics which benefits members in their daily roles.
Facilitator: Trevor Garcia
Coordinator: Laura Howe
Download details about this group here:
- Meet the Facilitator – Trevor Garcia
- Annual Report 2021-22
- Decontamination BVG 2022-23 Information Flyer
- Decontamination BVG Registration Form 2022-23
- Benefits of BVG Membership 2022
Alternatively, please complete this online application form:
Taking on the role of chairperson of the NPAG Decontamination group has been an interesting challenge and certainly helped me in my own understanding and development. The membership is diverse with representation from across NHS staff and commercial partners. This allows for a broader understanding of our functions within decontamination. There is a balance between presentations from various commercial interests and other bodies with open discussion which enable a wide range of topics to be explored in a trusting environment. We benefit from the unsung heroes in the form of support of a dedicated facilitator, business manager and central NPAG support. I would encourage anyone who is involved within decontamination to get involved as I think they would find the knowledge and experience gained of excellent value as we work to our shared goal of improving hospital decontamination.